News & Press

We value our relationships with media partners – local and national. From developments in 988 and suicide intervention programs to advocacy around opioid use prevention, Lines for Life acts as a powerful force and expert voice in public information regarding substance use and suicide prevention.

Check out some of our latest news highlights below and learn more about news topics surrounding our mission.

For details on our 2019 suicide prevention media coverage, visit the Breaking the Silence website.

Press Contacts

We value our relationships with media partners. For media inquiries, specific content requests, or to arrange an interview with Lines for Life, please email Donna Harrell, Communications Director.

Lines for Life Press Releases

July 14, 2023
Lines For Life Marks One Year Answering 988 Calls, Texts, Chats

Suicide Safe Reporting Resources

Media and online coverage of suicide can be harmful if not adhering to best practices in suicide reporting. The ways that media cover suicide can influence behavior positively by encouraging help-seeking and highlighting prevention efforts.

Recommendations for Reporting on Suicide

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Resources for Journalists

Papageno Effect – Research on Responsible Reporting

In the News

Check out some of our latest news spotlights. For details on our suicide prevention media coverage event, visit the Breaking the Silence website.

KPTV – October 12, 2023

$157K donation will help Portland nonprofit reach more teens on their hardest days

A big donation will help a local nonprofit continue reaching young people – often on their darkest days.

KGW-TV – July 20, 2023

National Mental Health Crisis Line 988 helps millions of Americans in its first year

988 rolled out in July 2022 as the new national suicide crisis line. It’s evolved since then as a reliable resource available 24/7.

Oregon Capital Chronicle – July 14, 2023

Oregon’s 988 suicide prevention hotline sees jump in demand – Oregon Capital Chronicle

The new 988 suicide hotline marked its first year in Oregon with a 33% increase in calls from people in crisis.

KTVZ-TV – July 13, 2023

In its first year, 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline shows large rise in number of Oregonians served - KTVZ

Nearly one year since the nationwide launch of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, an analysis by the Oregon Health Authority shows Oregon’s crisis call centers answered more than 53,000 calls, texts and chats between July 16, 2022, and June 30, 2023.

Pew – March 29, 2023

As 988 Crisis Line Sees More Use, States Debate How to Pay for It

Five states have approved a monthly phone fee to support the crisis hotline.

KATU-TV – March 29, 2023

Office of Violence Prevention aims to prevent spring and summer gun violence

Portland’s Office of Violence Prevention is trying to get ahead of an anticipated rise in shootings in the spring and summer months.Saturday’s triple homicide i

KPTV – March 28, 2023

Lines for Life offers Racial Equity Support Line staffed with people with lived experience of racism

When someone experiences racism, it can seriously harm their mental health and their physical health too.

KPTV – March 23, 2023

Lines for Life hosts 30th annual fundraiser for 988 lifeline services

It’s an easy way to get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Oregon Public Broadcasting – February 28, 2023

US Health and Human Services secretary, Gov. Kotek highlight youth mental health needs at Portland school visit

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was in Northeast Portland Monday at a roundtable on youth mental health with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek.

KOIN-TV – February 27, 2023

Becerra in Portland: Important to invest in youth mental health

US Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra was in Portland Monday as part of the Biden administration’s plans to strengthen mental health services for the youngest population.

KGW-TV – February 27, 2023

Gov. Kotek, HHS Secretary Becerra discuss teen mental health challenges at Portland school

In a talk with teenagers and young adults, leaders listened to calls for more mental health services, representative support workers, and communication of options.

Oregon Capital Chronicle – February 27, 2023

Portland youth tell state, federal leaders they need culturally relevant mental health care – Oregon Capital Chronicle

Youth and mental health care professionals told Gov. Tina Kotek, U.S. health and human services secretary they need better access to services

KXL-FM – February 19, 2023

Black Children and Young Adult Suicide on the Rise - KXL

Suicide is an issue affecting people from all different cultures and backgrounds. But over the past few…

KGW-TV, February 12, 2023

‘It’s going to save someone’s life’: Oregon lawmakers consider suicide prevention bills

Legislation includes a tax to supplement long-term operation of 988, an emergency number that routes callers to mental health crises lines.

PBS News Hour – January 25, 2023

Teen volunteers staff crisis support line to help peers facing mental health challenges

Oregon ranks among the worst states for youth mental illness and access to care. William Brangham went there and found a system facing heavy burdens, but one searching for solutions. It’s part of our new series, “Early Warnings: America’s Youth Mental Health Crisis.” A warning: this story includes d…

Central Oregon Daily – October 6, 2022

▶️ Warm Springs Prevention Team, Lines for Life seek young volunteers

Warm Springs Prevention Team and Lines for Life are looking for volunteers to work the lines at their satellite call centers to help youth and young adults experiencing a mental health crisis.“The o

OPB – August 5, 2022

Oregon’s meth problem: More money than leadership

Despite a windfall of new funding that could combat Oregon’s meth-fueled behavioral health crisis, leaders have no plan and risk leaving promising approaches on the shelf.

Oregon Capital Chronicle – July 14, 2022

Oregon, and the rest of the country, launches new 988 crisis intervention service – Oregon Capital Chronicle

On Saturday, the new 988 lifeline launches to connect those who call, text or go online to counselors trained in helping people in a crisis.

KGW – June 10, 2022

Lines for Life prepares for launch of nationwide mental health hotline

Starting July 16, people struggling with mental health can call 988. Lines for Life CEO Dwight Holton believes the simple number will make a difference.

KOIN – May 31, 2022

OHA to host webinar on how to talk to your kids about death, grief

To help navigate this challenging task, the Oregon Health Authority is partnering up with different organizations for a free event.

Portland Tribune – May 5, 2022

Feds on mental health: ‘We need every state to step up’

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra talks with young hotline workers, advocates and trainees in Portland visit.

KGW – May 5, 2022

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra visits Portland to talk about mental health

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra visited Lines For Life, the nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and suicide.

The Oregonian – May 5, 2022

Oregon mental health advocates ask top U.S. official for help

The U.S. Health and Human Services secretary toured Portland.

KOIN – May 5, 2022

Xavier Becerra Portland Brandon Thompson

HHS Secretary visits Portland to talk ‘nation’s mental health crisis’

Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra is making a stop in Portland Thursday as part of a visit to the Pacific Northwest to address what Biden administration officials called “…

The Guardian – April 4, 2022

Oregon’s bold drug decriminalisation sees some success – but use still rising

Experts say decriminalisation is not the problem – the new measure lacks a proper pathway to recovery amid the growing overdose crisis

KGW – April 1, 2022

‘We’re not good to go right now’: CDC shows many teens still struggle with pandemic-related trauma

The CDC surveyed thousands of high school students about how they felt and what they endured during the COVID-19 lockdown.

KGW – March 19, 2022

Lines for Life to receive federal funding to help Oregon youth in crisis

Sen. Ron Wyden announced Lines for Life will receive $432,000 in federal funding. KGW’s Galen Ettlin reports.

KGW – February 2, 2022

Black Pastors of Portland meet to heal gun violence trauma

Church leaders and mental health group strategize ways to end the growing gun violence affecting young Portlanders.

OPB – October 27, 2021

Oregon’s pioneering drug law raises more questions than answers in early months

By decriminalizing drugs and putting money toward treatment, Measure 110 promised a brighter future for Oregonians with addiction. But early data suggests one big component is not working.

OregonLive – October 25, 2021

Police issue few tickets under new drug decriminalization law; most people ignore court, hotline

Measure 110, which sought to upend the way Oregon addresses drug addiction, is off to a slow start with relatively few citations and few calls to the statewide hotline intended to connect people to treatment and services.

KOIN – September 15, 2021

Local brewery raises awareness for mental health

Von Ebert, a local brewery, is raising awareness for mental health.

Street Roots – October 7, 2020

Isolation during the pandemic exacts a complex toll on senior citizens

Seniors have a diverse set of needs — and solutions — in the battle against loneliness.

KGW – September 29, 2020

Oregon and Lines for Life launch new support line during COVID-19 and wildfires

The line offers free, 24/7 emotional support and resource referral to everyone, not only those experiencing mental health crisis.

Oregon Health Authority – September 1, 2020

Oregon Health Authority : OHA partners with Oregon Department of Education and Lines for Life to launch Suicide Prevention and Wellness Program for school districts : External Relations Division : State of Oregon

COVID-19 Oregon

Oregon Live, July 16, 2020

FCC approves 3-digit help number for suicide prevention, to launch in 2022

The number will not be operational until 2022.

KGW – May 4, 2020

Lines for Life calls increase, 911 calls down during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oregon’s branch of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is seeing an increase in calls from certain demographics.

KGW – April 22, 2020

Lines for Life offering ‘Virtual Wellness Rooms’ for essential workers

Lines for Life wants to help those who have been selflessly helping the public for weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

KOIN – April 13, 2020

‘You’re not alone’: Suicide prevention during a pandemic

The stress and anxiety brought on by the coronavirus pandemic can sometimes be too much, but there are people out there who want to help if you’re having a hard time coping.

The Oregonian – April 12, 2020

Letter from the Editor: Thank you, readers and subscribers

We’ve launched a digital subscription to OregonLive for $10 a month.

OPB – April 9, 2020

COVID-19 Concerns Dominate Calls To Emotional Support Hotlines

Clinical workers who take calls from people in crisis are facing their own emotional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.

KGW – April 3, 2020

Lines for Life answers mental health questions during social isolation on Reddit

KGW partnered with Lines for Life on Friday to host a Reddit AMA to answer your questions about maintaining mental wellness during social isolation.

KGW – March 31, 2020

SafeOregon taking more calls about suicidal thoughts and cyberbullying during coronavirus pandemic

SafeOregon, created in 2017, allows students to report harmful or potentially harmful behavior anonymously.

Public News Service – March 27, 2020

Mental-Health Services Available as Isolation Grows in OR

PORTLAND, Ore. - With Oregonians ordered to stay at home during the new coronavirus pandemic, isolation could be creeping into people’s lives, and that’s increasing the risk of suicide. Greg Borders is chief clinical officer of Lines for Life, a nonprofit based in Portland that works to prevent su…

Portland Mercury – March 26, 2020

Portland Clinicians Prepare for Uptick in Mental Health Crises Due to COVID-19

The isolation, economic instability, and general dread that has accompanied COVID-19’s arrival in the Pacific Northwest has begun to take a mental toll on Portlanders. During a Tuesday press conference, Portland Police Chief Jami Resch told reporters that in the days following March 12—the day Portl…

New York Post – March 26, 2020

Portland sees spike in 911 suicide calls after coronavirus emergency declaration

Portland officials are fearing a mental health crisis brewing out of the coronavirus pandemic — with the number of suicide-related 911 calls soaring following Portland’s declaration of a “sta…

KOBI – March 25, 2020

Portland reports increase in suicides during coronavirus pandemic - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2

PORTLAND, Ore. – There’s no question that coronavirus is causing a lot of fear and anxiety for all of us and it’s having a big impact on people’s mental health. According to the Oregonian, Portland police are seeing an increase in 9-1-1 calls involving suicide attempts or threats. They say between M…

The Oregonian – March 24, 2020

Calls from suicidal people to 911 are rising, Portland police say. Coronavirus could be fueling anxiety.

The number of suicide calls sent to police by emergency dispatchers rose 23 percent between March 12 and 22, compared to the prior 10 days before the city’s coronavirus state of emergency, Police Chief Jami Resch reported Tuesday. That’s as the total number of 911 calls fell by 10 percent during the…

KATU – March 24, 2020

Portland Police see increase in suicide-related calls: ‘Check in with each other’

PORTLAND, Ore. – The “stay-at-home” order in effect across Oregon can have a big impact on people’s mental health, and Portland police officials said they are seeing a dramatic change in their response to people in crisis. Calls for threats or attempts of suicide are up 41% over this tim…

KOIN – March 22, 2020

Preventing senior loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic

“A pandemic, like the COVID-19 outbreak, is sort of the culmination of a total loss of agency for older adults. If you’re already feeling lonely and isolated, you’re only going to be more so …

KGW – March 20, 2020

Mental health expert weighs in on challenges of social isolation

Lines for Life expects the longer we continue isolating ourselves during the coronavirus outbreak, more calls will come in to their help resource center.

New York Times – September 24, 2019

Opinion | It Takes a Teenager to Help a Teenager in Crisis (Published 2019)

Many troubled adolescents find it easier to share their angst and dread on a hotline with people their age, rather than their parents.

The Skanner – September 13, 2019

‘It’s OK to Struggle’

Two families break the silence on suicide and mental health

The Oregonian – April 26, 2019

Lines for Life honored as nation’s most-innovative crisis call center

The American Association of Suicidology on Thursday gave Lines for Life its Crisis Center Excellence and Innovation Award, honoring the nonprofit’s creative programming and growth.

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